Outcomes of Bypass Surgery in Adult Moyamoya Disease by Onset Type.

Importance: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare chronic cerebrovascular disease, and the outcomes of bypass management in adult patients remain controversial. Objective: To categorize adult MMD based on asymptomatic, ischemic, and hemorrhagic onset and compare the outcomes (death, hemorrhagic stroke [HS], and ischemic stroke [IS]) of bypass surgery (direct or indirect) with those of conservative management. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, nationwide, population-based longitudinal cohort study used Korean National Health Insurance Research data to identify adults (aged ≥15 years) with MMD who were diagnosed between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020, and followed up until December 31, 2021 (median follow-up, 5.74 [IQR, 2.95-9.42] years). A total of 19 700 participants (3194 with hemorrhagic, 517 with ischemic, and 15 989 with asymptomatic MMD) were included. Data were analyzed from January 2 to April 1, 2023. Exposures: Bypass surgery and conservative management. Main Outcomes and Measures: Death constituted the primary outcome; secondary outcomes consisted of HS or IS. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were applied. The propensity score-matching and stratified analyses were performed to control covariate effects. Results: A total of 19 700 patients (mean [SD] age, 45.43 [14.98] years; 12 766 [64.8%] female) were included. Compared with conservative management, bypass was associated with a reduced risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.41-0.61]; P < .001) and HS (AHR, 0.36 [0.30-0.40]; P < .001) in hemorrhagic MMD; reduced risk of IS (AHR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.37-0.81]; P = .002) in ischemic MMD; and reduced risk of death (AHR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.66-0.84]; P < .001) in asymptomatic MMD. However, bypass was associated with an increased risk of HS (AHR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.56-2.00]; P < .001) in asymptomatic MMD. Both direct and indirect bypass demonstrated similar effects in hemorrhagic and asymptomatic MMD, except only direct bypass was associated with a reduced risk of IS (AHR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.33- 0.83]; P = .01) in ischemic MMD. After stratification, bypass was associated with a reduced risk of death in patients younger than 55 years with ischemic (AHR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13- 0.88]; P = .03) and asymptomatic (AHR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.60-0.79]; P < .001) MMD, but an increased risk of HS in patients 55 years or older with ischemic MMD (AHR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.1-4.16]; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study of bypass outcomes for patients with MMD emphasize the importance of tailoring management strategies in adult patients based on onset types.

Revascularisation patterns and characteristics after erythropoietin pretreatment and multiple burr holes in patients who had acute stroke with perfusion impairment.

BACKGROUND: Transdural collaterals, originating mainly from the extracalvarial superficial temporal artery and intracalvarial middle meningeal artery via the external carotid artery (ECA), have been observed after revascularisation surgery. However, the origin of these collaterals in patients with stroke with perfusion insufficiency is not yet known. Therefore, we studied the revascularisation patterns and characteristics based on the origin of these collaterals. METHODS: We employed erythropoietin pretreatment and performed multiple burr holes under local anaesthesia to achieve transdural revascularisation in patients with acute stroke with perfusion insufficiency. After 6 months, we reassessed the transfemoral cerebral angiography to evaluate the revascularisation patterns. The collaterals were categorised into intracalvarial ECA-dominant (originating from the middle meningeal artery), extracalvarial ECA-dominant (originating from the superficial temporal or occipital artery) and balanced groups. We compared various imaging parameters among these groups. RESULTS: Overall, 87 patients with 103 treated hemispheres were involved. Among them, 57.3% were classified as intracalvarial ECA-dominant, 20.4% as extracalvarial ECA-dominant and 22.3% as balanced. Most of the hemispheres with intracalvarial or extracalvarial collaterals (vs balanced collaterals) showed successful revascularisation (78/80 (97.5%) vs 12/23 (52.1%)), p<0.001). In ultrasonographic haemodynamic changes according to revascularisation pattern, only the intracalvarial ECA-dominant revascularisation was significantly associated with specific changes in ECA blood flow, leading to the conversion to a low-resistance ECA Doppler sonography waveform. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intracalvarial ECA-dominant revascularisation plays a crucial role in the formation of transdural collaterals following combined therapy. These distinct changes in ECA haemodynamics can be non-invasively identified through bedside ultrasound studies.

Monocyte Count and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Score as Predictors of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major cause of disability in patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systemic inflammatory markers, such as peripheral leukocyte count and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) score, have been considered predictors of DCI in previous studies. This study aims to investigate which systemic biomarkers are significant predictors of DCI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center study of 170 patients with SAH admitted between May 2018 and March 2022. We analyzed the patients' clinical and laboratory parameters within 1 hour and 3-4 and 5-7 days after admission. The DCI and non-DCI groups were compared. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate logistic analysis (p<0.05) were entered into a multivariate regression model. RESULTS: Hunt-Hess grade "4-5" at admission, modified Fisher scale grade "3-4" at admission, hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infection showed statistical significance (p<0.05) on a univariate logistic regression. Lymphocyte and monocyte count at admission, SII scores and C-reactive protein levels on days 3-4, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts on days 5-7 exhibited statistical significance on the univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that monocyte count at admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.65; p=0.036) and SII score at days 3-4 (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02-2.47; p=0.049) were independent predictors of DCI. CONCLUSION: Monocyte count at admission and SII score 3-4 days after rupture are independent predictors of clinical deterioration caused by DCI after aSAH. Peripheral monocytosis may be the primer for the innate immune reaction, and the SII score at days 3-4 can promptly represent the propagated systemic immune reaction toward DCI.

Significance of headache in intracranial vertebrobasilar artery dissections: an observational study.

Headache may represent acute phase of intracranial vertebrobasilar artery dissection (iVBAD). We aimed to evaluate its clinical significance in iVBAD. Consecutive acute iVBAD patients were grouped into ruptured iVBAD, unruptured iVBAD with no headache, isolated headache, or concurrent headache with neurological symptoms. Composite hemorrhagic/ischemic endpoints, and dynamic arterial changes were graded. Clinical characteristics of the four groups, and association between headache and composite outcomes was evaluated. Headaches were precedent in 79% of the ruptured iVBAD patients (maximal delay, 10D). In unruptured iVBAD, when patients with no headache (N = 69), concurrent headache (N = 111), and isolated headache (N = 126) were compared, concurrent headache was associated with ischemic endpoints (isolated headache as reference, adjusted odds ratio: 6.40, 95% confidence interval [2.03-20.19]). While there were no differences in hemorrhagic endpoints, dynamic arterial changes were higher in the isolated headache group (aOR: 3.98, 95% CI [1.72-9.18]) but not for the concurrent headache group (aOR: 1.59 [0.75-3.38]) compared to no headache group. Headache was more commonly severe (48.4% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001) and ipsilateral (59.7% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.03) for isolated headache compared to concurrent headache, indicating a higher causal relationship. In iVBAD, isolated headache may be considered an acute-phase biomarker, associated with dynamic arterial changes.

Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Using Double-Overlapping Stents : Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support within Enterprise Stents.

Objective: The use of reconstructive treatment with a double-overlapping stents has proven to be effective and safe in the current treatment of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs). We employed a combination of overlapping stents, using low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) within the Enterprise stent. This combination was chosen to minimize the outward bulging of the inner LVIS by overlapping it with the Enterprise stent while maintaining flow diversion and stability. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes following the use of double-overlapping stents with LVIS within the Enterprise stent for the treatment of VADAs. Methods: From March 2016 to January 2022, total 28 patients with unruptured VADAs were treated with the double-overlapping stent technique using LVIS within an Enterprise stent in our institute. The Enterprise stent was deployed first, followed by the LVIS stent. Patient clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural complications, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results: All 28 patients (18 males and 10 females) were successfully treated with double-overlapping stent deployment. There were no procedural complications or new neurological deficits in any patient. Of the 28 patients, four VADAs had posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement. Procedure-related parent artery occlusion did not occur during the angiographic follow-up conducted 6 to 12 months after the procedure. Out of 28 patients, 24 showed complete healing, three had focal residual stenosis or dilatation with residual sac and only one had a residual dissecting flap with aneurysm. All patients, including the four patients, did not require any additional procedures. The postoperative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were 0-1 for all patients. Conclusion: A double-overlapping stent, with a flow-diversion effect, is a safe and effective treatment for patients with VADAs. In particular, when using the LVIS stent within an Enterprise stent, it minimizes the bulging of the inner LVIS stent while maintaining flow diversion and stability. Therefore, both can be effectively utilized as overlapping stents.

Prevalence of aortic aneurysms and dissections in patients with systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections; matched case-control study using a national sample cohort.

Objective: Aneurysms in systemic arteries are rare, and little is known about their relationship with aortic aneurysms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of aortic aneurysms and dissections (AAD) in patients with other systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections (OVAD) and identify their potential risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a nationwide representative cohort sample from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database. We defined OVAD as systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections excluding intracranial and aortic dissections and aneurysms. With a total of 690 OVAD patients and 2,760 non-OVAD matched controls, we investigated the prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD and potential risk factors for their concurrence using the χ2 test and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD was 10.6% (73/690) and 0.3% (9/2,760) in patients with non-OVAD. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having concurrent AAD with OVAD was 37.56 (95% CI: 18.29-77.12, p < 0.001) after stratification by sex, age, income, region of residence and after adjustment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and extent of disability. The adjusted ORs of AAD were significantly higher in females [adjusted OR = 47.63 (95% CI: 10.72-211.55)], and individuals aged ≥60 years [adjusted OR = 28.18 (95% CI: 13.42-59.17)], as well as those without hypertension [adjusted OR = 95.44 (95% CI: 18.21-500.23)], diabetes mellitus [adjusted OR = 46.39 (95% CI: 18.85-114.17)], without dyslipidemia [adjusted OR = 60.99 (95% CI: 20.83-178.56), p < 0.001 for all]. The prevalence of AAD significantly differed by according to specific sites of OVAD in carotid artery, upper extremity artery, iliac artery, lower extremity artery, and splanchnic artery (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: The prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD was 37.56 times higher than that in the matched population. We may approach aneurysms as systemic diseases and further investigations of pathophysiology would help to clarify the relationships between AAD and OVAD.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) combined with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare condition associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although several mechanisms have been proposed, the pathophysiology and management strategies are not yet fully established. We aimed to determine the radiological and clinical outcomes of patients with NPE and with TCM after aSAH to propose management strategies. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 564 patients with aSAH recorded at a single medical center from February 2015 to July 2022. This study retrospectively investigated the incidence and demographics of SAH combined with both NPE and TCM and the clinical outcomes of the patients. Correlating factors, independently associated with NPE-TCM, were also investigated. RESULTS: During the 7 years, 11 (2.0%) of 564 patients had NPE complicated with TCM after aSAH. Seven of 11 (63.6%) patients had poor-grade SAH (Hunt-Hess Grade 4 to 5). Three of 11 patients had a posterior circulation in the NPE-TCM group. The most prevalent treatment option was endovascular coil embolization, except for one case of clip. Long-term outcomes were favorable in 6 of 11 patients, and there was one case of mortality. Age, troponin I level, and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were correlating factors of NPE-TCM. CONCLUSION: Although NPE-TCM represents a rare complication associated with aSAH, achieving active resolution of underlying neurological causes through early and appropriate treatment may contribute to a favorable prognosis. Considering the limited incidence of SAH complicated with NPE-TCM, a multi-center study may be needed.

Feasibility of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations According to Nidus Type.

Objective: Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for high-risk arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Since differences in GKRS outcomes by nidus type are unknown, this study evaluated GKRS feasibility and safety in patients with brain AVMs. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients with AVM who underwent GKRS between 2008 and 2021. Patients were divided into compact- and diffuse-type groups according to nidus characteristics. We excluded patients who performed GKRS and did not follow-up evaluation with MRI or DSA within 36 months from the study. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to characterize associations of nidus type with obliteration rate and GKRS-related complications. Results: We enrolled 154 patients (mean age, 32.14±17.17 years; mean post-GKRS follow-up, 52.10±33.67 months) of whom 131 (85.1%) had compact- and 23 (14.9%) diffuse-type nidus AVMs. Of all AVMs, 89 (57.8%) were unruptured, and 65 (42.2%) had ruptured. The mean Spetzler-Martin AVM grades were 2.03±0.95 and 3.39±1.23 for the compact- and diffuse-type groups, respectively (p<0.001). During the follow-up period, AVM-related hemorrhages occurred in four individuals (2.6%), three of whom had compact nidi. Substantial radiation-induced changes and cyst formation were observed in 21 (13.6%) and 1 (0.6%) patients, respectively. The AVM complete obliteration rate was 46.1% across both groups. Post-GKRS complication and complete obliteration rates were not significantly different between nidus types. For diffuse-type nidus AVMs, larger AVM size and volume (p<0.001), lower radiation dose (p<0.001), eloquent area location (p=0.015), and higher Spetzler-Martin grade (p<0.001) were observed. Conclusion: GKRS is a safe and feasible treatment for brain AVMs characterized by both diffuse- and compact-type nidi.

Long-Term Outcomes of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms with Multiple (≥2) Overlapping Stents and Coiling: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term feasibility of multiple overlapping stents (≥2) with or without coiling for treating blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs). METHODS: BBAs treated with stent-assisted coiling or stent-only therapy wasincluded. BBAs with atypical anatomical locations, other endovascular or surgical techniques performed, and delayed treatment (>48 hours) were excluded. Medical records of patients and procedures were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with BBAs were identified, and 15 were treated with stent-assisted coiling and 2 with stent-only therapy. Triple overlapping stents were performed in seven patients, double stents in nine, and a single stent with coiling in 1. One patient experienced in-stent fibrin formation and received intra-arterial tirofiban. Complementary treatment was required in four patients. Three patients were initially treated with double (3/9) and 1 with triple stents (1/7). Three recurred in the acute period (≤6 weeks) and 1 recurred 14 months after treatment. Three of 17 patients with Hunt Hess grade 5 died early. Thirteen patients were available for long-term angiographic follow-up (13.8 ± 8.9 months). Final angiography showed complete aneurysm occlusion in all patients without in-stent stenosis or perforating vessel occlusion. Clinical follow-up data were available for all 14 surviving patients (66.8 ± 40.9 months). Eight patients had favorable outcomes, five had unfavorable outcomes, and 1 died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage-unrelated cause. Delayed infarct or hemorrhage was not documented. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the era of flow diverter stents, the use of multiple overlapping stents with or without coiling can be a feasible alternative for treating ruptured BBAs.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured basilar artery trunk aneurysm in the acute period: risk factors for periprocedural complications.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become a popular option for the treatment of basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms because microsurgery of these lesions is difficult due to narrow surgical fields and perforating arteries or cranial nerves in the brainstem. The purpose of this study is to report our experiences using EVT for ruptured BA trunk aneurysms in the acute period and to evaluate the risk factors for periprocedural complications. METHODS: From October 2004 to December 2020, a total of 27 consecutive patients with ruptured BA trunk aneurysms were treated with EVT. All patients met the following criteria: presence of ruptured BA trunk aneurysms and treatment with EVT for those aneurysms within 72 hours of rupture. The incidence of and risk factors for periprocedural complications were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 27 patients, periprocedural complications occurred in 4 patients (14.8%); mass effect inducing cranial neuropathy due to brainstem compression in 1 (3.7%) and brainstem infarction in 3 (11.1%). Hemorrhagic complications did not occur within 30 days. Subacute or delayed thromboembolic complications were not observed during the follow-up period. Large/giant aneurysm (odds ratio [OR], 6.417; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.732-18.031; P = 0.045) and stent-assisted coiling (OR, 4.145; 95% CI, 1.018-14.212; P = 0.031) remained independent risk factors for periprocedural complications based on multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: When performing stent-assisted coiling for ruptured large/giant BA trunk aneurysms, awareness of and caution regarding periprocedural complications, such as brainstem infarction caused by thromboembolism or brainstem compression due to mass effect, are necessary.

Depression or Anxiety According to Management Modalities in Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, the risk was usually estimated by objective neurological sequelae. However, their effects on depression and anxiety are rare and remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the risk of depression and anxiety in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm stratified by management strategies in a population-based, longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Research Database, 71 750 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms between 2008 and 2011 were identified and followed up until the end of 2020. The risk of depression and anxiety was compared among management strategies with respect to age, sex, and medical comorbidities. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that the treatment (clipping and endovascular treatment) group developed depression more frequently than the observation group (P<0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.15) in the treatment group. According to the management modality, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that clipping and endovascular treatment groups developed depression more frequently than the observation group (P<0.0001). The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.15 (95% CI, 1.10-1.21) for clipping and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.12) for endovascular treatment. The depression risk was higher with advanced age (hazard ratio for 45-64 years, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.29-1.45] and hazard ratio for ≥65 years, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.92-2.17]). The risk for anxiety did not differ among the management modalities. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the risk of depression was slightly greater after clipping surgery than endovascular treatment. Data on treatment-related, long-term psychological outcomes, such as depression, may aid decision-making for preventive treatment of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysm patients.

Therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic hypothermia improves the prognosis of patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the clinical and radiological effects of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade SAH. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data were compared between patients who underwent mild hypothermic treatment and those who underwent treatment without hypothermia. RESULTS: Among 670 patients with SAH, 72 had poor-grade SAH. After early clipping or coiling of the aneurysm, 25 patients underwent mild hypothermia and the remaining 47 patients underwent no hypothermia. The medical complication occurrence rates were similar between the hypothermia treatment and control groups. Significantly, cerebral edema was reduced in patients in the hypothermia group (44 %) compared with those in the no-hypothermia group (9 %) (p = 0.025). The poor clinical outcome rate (modified Rankin scale score > 4) assessed at discharge (p = 1.000) and 3 months after admission (p = 0.688) was similar between the two groups. However, 1 month after admission, the mortality rate of the hypothermia group (20.0 %) was remarkably lower than that of the control group (46.8 %) (p = 0.025). Multivariate logistic regression showed the therapeutic hypothermia was the most effective treatment for decreasing the mortality (OR = 4.86, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia treatment appears to be feasible and safe for patients with poor-grade SAH. The study supports mild hypothermia treatment and its neuroprotective effects in patients with poor-grade SAH.

Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Stent- Assisted Coil Embolization of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms : A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) has been increasingly used to treat various types of intracranial aneurysms. Delayed thromboembolic complications are major concerns regarding this procedure, so dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is needed. However, clinicians vary the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after SAC, and no randomized study has been performed. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of long-term (12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy and shortterm dual antiplatelet therapy (6 months) after SAC for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized and multicenter trial to investigate the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after SAC in patients with UIAs. Subjects will receive dual antiplatelet therapy for 6 months (short-term group) or 12 months (longterm group) after SAC. The primary endpoint is the assessment of thromboembolic complications between 1 and 18 months after SAC. We will enroll 528 subjects (264 subjects in each group) and perform 1 : 1 randomization. This study will involve 14 topperforming, high-volume Korean institutions specializing in coil embolization. RESULTS: The trial will begin enrollment in 2022, and clinical data will be available after enrollment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: This article describes that the aim of this prospective randomized multicenter trial is to compare the effect of short-term (6 months) and long-term (12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy on UIAs in patients undergoing SAC, and to find the optimal duration.

Transdural Revascularization by Multiple Burrhole After Erythropoietin in Stroke Patients With Cerebral Hypoperfusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute symptomatic stroke, reinforcement of transdural angiogenesis using multiple burr hole (MBH) procedures after EPO (erythropoietin) treatment has rarely been addressed. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of cranial MBH procedures under local anesthesia for augmenting transdural revascularization after EPO treatment in patients with stroke with perfusion impairments. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, blinded-end point trial recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke with a perfusion impairment of grade ≥2 within 14 days of symptom onset, steno-occlusive mechanisms on imaging examinations, and absence of transdural collaterals on transfemoral cerebral angiography. Patients were randomly assigned to receive MBH + EPO or MBH alone. The primary and secondary outcomes were revascularization success (trans-hemispheric and trans-burr hole) at 6 months and adverse events, respectively. RESULTS: We evaluated 42 of the 44 targeted patients, with 2 patients lost to follow-up. The combined and MBH-only (n=21 each) groups showed no differences in demographic characteristics and baseline perfusion parameters. Significantly, more cases of trans-hemispheric (19/21 [90.5%] versus 12/21 [57.1%]) and trans-burr hole (42/58 [72.4%] versus 30/58 [51.7%]) revascularization and significant improvements in perfusion parameters were observed in the combined group relative to the MBH-only group. No differences in treatment-related complications were observed between groups. Even after adjustment for potential covariates, EPO usage was an independent factor of successful hemispheric revascularization in this study (odds ratio, 6.41 [95% CI, 1.08-38.02]). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MBH and EPO is safe and feasible for reinforcing transdural revascularization in acute steno-occlusive patients with perfusion impairments. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02603406.

The effect of hematoma evacuation with decompressive craniectomy on clinical outcomes in patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 of hemorrhagic transformation after middle cerebral artery infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of hematoma evacuation (HE) with decompressive craniectomy (DC) and to evaluate whether HE with DC is associated with improvement of clinical outcomes in patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2) after middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. METHODS: Between March 2007 and August 2020, 73 patients with PH2 after MCA infarction underwent DC. The HE group (n = 28) consisted of subjects who underwent HE with DC and the non-HE group (n = 45) consisted of subjects who underwent only DC without HE. The clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in clinical outcomes were not observed between the groups at discharge (P = 0.648) and 12-month follow-up (P = 0.346). Mortality rate within 12 months was not significantly different between the groups (log-rank, P = 0.685). There were 12 reoperations in the HE group (42.9%) and three reoperations in the non-HE group (6.7%; P = 0.037). Logistic regression analysis showed the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 2.320; 95% CI, 1.128-5.965; P = 0.046) and the infarction volume (OR, 1.876; 95% CI, 1.935-11.892; P = 0.041) were independently associated with mortality (modified Rankin Scale, 6) within the 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PH2 of hemorrhagic transformation after MCA infarction, HE with DC does not change the clinical outcomes or mortality but might increase the reoperation risk.

Usefulness of Silent MRA for Evaluation of Aneurysm after Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of Silent MR angiography (MRA) for evaluating intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients (101 aneurysms) treated with stent-assisted coil embolization (Neuroform atlas, 71 cases; Enterprise, 17; LVIS Jr, 9; and Solitaire AB, 4 cases) underwent time-of-flight (TOF) MRA and Silent MRA in the same session using a 3T MRI system within 24 hours of embolization. Two radiologists independently interpreted both MRA images retrospectively and rated the image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. The image quality and diagnostic accuracy of the two modalities in the detection of aneurysm occlusion were further compared based on the stent design and the site of aneurysm. RESULTS: The average image quality scores of the Silent MRA and TOF MRA were 4.38 ± 0.83 and 2.78 ± 1.04, respectively (p < 0.001), with an almost perfect interobserver agreement. Silent MRA had a significantly higher image quality score than TOF MRA at the distal internal carotid artery (n = 57, 4.25 ± 0.91 vs. 3.05 ± 1.16, p < 0.001), middle cerebral artery (n = 21, 4.57 ± 0.75 vs. 2.19 ± 0.68, p < 0.001), anterior cerebral artery (n = 13, 4.54 ± 0.66 vs. 2.46 ± 0.66, p < 0.001), and posterior circulation artery (n = 10, 4.50 ± 0.71 vs. 2.90 ± 0.74, p = 0.013). Silent MRA had superior image quality score to TOF MRA in the stented arteries when using Neuroform atlas (4.66 ± 0.53 vs. 3.21 ± 0.84, p < 0.001), Enterprise (3.29 ± 1.59 vs. 1.59 ± 0.51, p = 0.003), LVIS Jr (4.33 ± 1.89 vs. 1.89 ± 0.78, p = 0.033), and Solitaire AB stents (4.00 ± 2.25 vs. 2.25 ± 0.96, p = 0.356). The interpretation of the status of aneurysm occlusion exhibited significantly higher sensitivity with Silent MRA than with TOF MRA when using the Neuroform Atlas stent (96.4% vs. 14.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and LVIS Jr stent (100% vs. 20%, respectively, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Silent MRA can be useful to evaluate aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization, regardless of the aneurysm location and type of stent used.

Basilar artery trunk aneurysm: clinical and angiographic outcomes of endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms are rare, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and angiographic outcomes of BA trunk aneurysm treated with EVT and to analyze risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. METHODS: From October 2004 to December 2020, a total of 40 patients with BA trunk aneurysms underwent EVT. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Of the 40 enrolled patients, nine were treated by coiling without stents, 17 were treated by stent-assisted coiling, six by stent only, five by flow diverters, and three by vertebral artery occlusion. RESULTS: In total, 27 (67.5%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial presentation, and 20 (50.0%) had large/giant aneurysms. Procedure-related complications occurred in five patients (12.5%); favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 27 patients (67.5%); and six patients (15.0%) died. Favorable angiographic outcome was achieved in 26 (83.9%) of 31 patients who underwent follow-up angiography. Poor initial Hunt-and-Hess grade (OR 7.67, 95% CI 1.55 to 37.80; p=0.018) was the only independent risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcome. Large/giant aneurysm (OR 8.14, 95% CI 1.88 to 27.46; p=0.047) and long lesion (OR 14.25, 95% CI 1.48 to 69.80; p=0.013) were independent risk factors for unfavorable angiographic outcomes during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EVT might be a feasible option for this rare disease entity. Unfavorable angiographic outcome might be expected in a large/giant aneurysm or a long lesion. It can be difficult to treat BA trunk aneurysms by EVT, needing multiple procedures or various techniques due to diverse clinical and angiographic features.

Prevalence of Intracranial Aneurysm in Patients With Aortic Disease in Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Background Patients with aortic disease (AD) might have a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysm (IA). The present study evaluated the prevalence of IA in patients with AD and identified potential risk factors of IA using nationwide representative cohort sample data. Methods and Results We defined AD as both aortic dissections and aortic aneurysms. This study used a nationwide representative cohort sample from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database from 1.1million patients. Using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests, the prevalence of the IA in patients with AD and potential risk factors for their concurrence were analyzed. The prevalence of IA in patients with AD was 6.8% (155/2285). The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for having concurrent IA in patients with AD was 3.809 (95% CI, 3.191-4.546; P<0.01). Patients with AD and hypertension were >19 times more likely to be affected by IA (adjusted OR, 18.679; 95% CI, 16.555-21.076; P<0.01). Patients with AD and diabetes mellitus, old age (>60 years), and male sex were >4, 3, and 2 times more likely to be affected by IA, respectively (adjusted OR, 4.291, 3.469, and 1.983, respectively; 95% CI, 3.914-4.704, 3.152-3.878, and 1.779-2.112, respectively). Subgroup analysis with socioeconomic status or disability revealed that the prevalence of IA was significantly higher in all groups. Conclusions In the current population-based study, the prevalence of IA in patients with AD was quadrupled compared with that in the general population. Early IA screening might be considered among patients with AD for appropriate management.

New Simple 3-Dimensional Computed Tomogram Classification Leading to Successful Conservative Treatment in 51 Atlanto-Axial Rotatory Fixation Children.

OBJECTIVE: to present a new and easy classification of atlanto-axial rotatory fixation (AARF) and to investigate the efficiency of conservative treatment of AARF. BACKGROUND: Although there is a precise definition and diagnostic classification of AARF, there is still significant difficulty in measuring the atlas and axis angles because all of the atlas or axis cannot be seen in a certain 2-dimensional computed tomogram image. In addition, some recent case reports showed that long-term conservative treatment can reduce pediatric AARFs, even that are severe or chronic. METHODS: Fifty-one children with AARF were analyzed retrospectively with new 3-dimensional computed tomogram (3DCT)-based AARF classification; the mean age was 72.7 ± 35.2 months (19-139 months). In the new AARF classification, type 1 was defined as that when the C1C2 angle is not 0° on midline and type 2 as that when the C1C2 angle is 0° on the midline. RESULTS: All 7 children with AARF type 1 were treated successfully only with Halter tractions. Twenty among 44 children with type 2 did not show any difference in improvement compared with not-treated 24 children with type 2. CONCLUSION: The first new AARF classification based on 3DCT appears to be easy to use and even the most severe children with AARF may be managed only with conservative treatment such as long-term Halter traction.